To anyone reading this, I urge you: Do not go to Queen's Bath. Not in the winter, not in the summer. Even on "calm" days, Queen's Bath is flat-out treacherous.
Queen's Bath is frequently mentioned as a must-see by clueless bloggers and some travel guidebook writers. I urge anyone reading this to not go there. A quick Google or YouTube search will show you countless articles and videos displaying that even on supposedly calm summer days (when the North Shore is technically "calm"), sets of rogue waves can roll in unexpectedly. These have swept many people to their deaths, even tourists standing on the rocks adjacent to the water. If you get washed out, there are no beaches nearby, just brutal rocks and cliffs. The ocean outside Queen's Bath is violent with strong rip currents. It's a perfect recipe for a needless tragedy.
Oh, and did I mention that Queen's Bath has no lifeguards? If you get swept out to sea, you're on your own.
Only a few weeks ago (March 2017) a tourist got slammed against the sharp lava rocks that encircle Queen's Bath while being stupid enough to attempt swimming there. He was lucky to survive and had to be rescued by helicopter with a shattered leg. The bill for this? $800 for the helicopter rescue alone, not to mention the costs of the ambulance and hospitalization.
I have spoken at length with professional lifeguards, pro surfers, and locals about Queen's Bath and other dangerous locations on Kaua'i (including Lumahai Beach and the especially treacherous Hanakapa'i Beach), and they all agree: Don't even think of swimming at these.
Kaua'i is an incredible place. But please be smart: Enjoy the majesty of the ocean and Queen's Bath by viewing from the cliffs above. Don't become a statistic. Please.﻿
Memo to Trover: Shame on you for promoting Queen's Bath. You are putting your readers in danger.